Flexible chain



Feb. 12, 1929.

7 1,701,941 1. ALLSOPP FLEXIBLE 0mm Filed June '14, 1927 INVENTOR'.

ATTORNEY Patented Feb. 12, 1929.

1,101,941 PATENT OFFICE.

THOMAS ALLSOIPP, 0F NEWARK, NEW JERSEY.

FLEXIBLE GRAIN.

Application filed June 14,

This invention relates to articles of personal wear and more particularly to such commodities commonly known as jewelry.

One of the objects of this invention is to provide a novel connecting means between the links of an ornamental chain adapted for use as a bracelet, anklet or the like.

Another object is in the provision of an article of the class described that is cheaply and easily constructed and which is of considerable strength, durability and beauty.

These objects are attained by the novel construction and arrangement of few and simple elements, hereinafter delineated and depicted in the attending illustration forming av material component of this disclosure, and in which Figure l is a plan view of link blank made in accordance with this invention.

Figure 2 is a transverse sectional view thereof.

Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 1 showing the link after removal from a forming die.

Figure 4 is a transverse sectional view of the same.

Figure 5 is a plan view after trimming.

Figure 6 is a c-ross sectiona-l view thereof.

Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 5 showing the finished link after removal from a bending die.

Figure 8is a transverse sectional view of the same.

Figure 9 is a plan view showinga plurality of connected links.

Figure 10 is a side edge view thereof.

In the drawing, the numeral 15 generally designates a substantially rectangular blank stamped out of sheet metal and having a similarly shaped opening 16 near one of its longer edges, the opposite, wider edge being provided with aprotuberance 17.

This blank is placed in a forming die and struck so as to make its bar-like body 18 arcuate on its outer surface, expand and flatten the protruberance 17 and slope the body toward the rear edge 19 narrower. InFigure it will be apparent that the opening 16 forms a restricted throat; the transverse elements 15 and side members 19 also embody an open bottom; the elements and members after suitable shaping thereoi contract to form. the open bottom and slope continuously to the restricted head opening; the side members and transverse elements defining a closed circuitous wall.

1927. Serial No. 198,737.

The blank is then put through a trimming die to shear the fins 2O form-ed during the preceding step, leaving the link as shown in Figures 5 and 6.

By means of a bending die, the protuberance 17 is bent at a right angle, Figure 8, linishing the article except for assembly.

The elements 17 are passed through the openings 16 of the adjacent links and are curled at 21 to engage thethinner rear edges 19 acting as a hinge pin, constituting an imbricated structure of pleasing appearance. It will be noted that the extension 17 is passed through the restricted opening of an adjacent link laterally of a side member of the adjacent link and the protuberance is bent upwardly and inwardly forming a. suitable hinged connection for the adjacent pair of links.

The surfaces 18 may be embellished-in any manner such as engraving, enamelling, plating, etc.

It will be understood that any number of links may be connected as described and that the same may be made of any preferred metal such as gold, silver, brass, etc.; also any of the usual catches or fasteners may be secured on the end links so as to engage the chain about the arm or ankle.

It will further be noted that the article. while made in a simple and quick fashion, is of strong construction.

As changes of construction could be made within the scope of the invention, it i ntended that all matter contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Having thus described my invention. what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

An ornamental chain comprising a plural ity of interconnected links, each link embod ing a blank having a central opening, said blank being provided with an integral pair of longitudinallydisposed side members and transverse elements, said members and ele' ments having unbroken walls, and a protuberance. extending from one of said transverse elements, said protuberance being of so much less thickness than the walls as to be adapted to be reflexed about one of the transverse elements of an adjacent link in the chain.

This specification signed and witnessed this 9th dav of May, 1927.

7 THOMAS ALLSOPP. 

